Issuu

Cardinal flagged for speeding / P. 4

Donut shop's hole-y goal / P. 22

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

NEWS................................. 4 Controversial zoning bid heading to Council.

NEWS.............................. 16 Contractors watchdog urges patience.

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Council to examine downtown development rules BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

cottsdale City Council has decided to review the Old Town Character Area Plan – a move that could open the door to limiting the maximum heights for new developments. Council asked staff to agendize an official

review for its Aug. 24 meeting over concerns that current height allowances are overburdening downtown infrastructure and run contrary to residents’ desires. The plan, last updated in 2018, is a broad visioning document that outlines the goals for downtown and its evolution. When Council unanimously approved the 2018 plan, it also increased maximum heights

in parts of downtown from 90 to 120 feet and expanded the areas where buildings as tall as 150 feet could be built. Those changes have triggered some controversy. Residents mobilized to oppose projects utilizing those new allowances, including the Southbridge Two development that faced a

Bureaucracy, Mr. Fireworks bad luck add to cancer victim's dire plight

see DOWNTOWN page 9

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

ARTS...................... ..........24 SMoW gets female artists treasure trove.

NEIGHBORS...........................................19 BUSINESS................................................22 ARTS......................................................... 24 FOOD........................................................ 26 CLASSIFIEDS.........................................27

t’s been one setback after another for Bertie Velarde-Smith. The Scottsdale mother and grandmother has battled Stage 4 lung cancer since 2017, recently underwent brain surgery and is now struggling to pay her rent after losing her job in December because of the limitations caused by the illness. Velarde-Smith, a mother of nine and

see GOFUNDME page 10

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CITY NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@scottsdale.org Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Managing Editor Wayne Schutsky | 480-898-6533 | wschutsky@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Photographers Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

Cardinal top draft pick busted for speeding BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

rizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins was arrested in Scottsdale last week for alleged excessive speeding and reckless driving. According to Scottsdale Police Department, Collins was stopped on Chaparral Road just east of Scottsdale Road at around 10 a.m. on June 20 after an officer saw him going 76 mph in a 35-mph zone. Collins was placed under arrest and released later that day. Under Arizona law, a reckless driving charge is a class 2 misdemeanor and carries a maximum four months in jail and $750 for first-time offenders. Excessive speeding is a class 3 misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Collins, who was picked by the Cardinals in the first round of the NFL Draft in May, signed a four-year, $14.7-million contract with the team in June. The team did not respond to a request for comment on his arrest. After news of Collins’ arrest spread across social media, some Scottsdale locals commented that the area where he was stopped is the site of a well-known speed trap. “Like Lincoln Drive, you don’t want to speed on Chaparral,” lifelong resident Kathy Wiebke wrote on Twitter. “Those

Zaven Collins of us who have lived here for any length of time know these are speed traps.” “They consistently have radar on that street, especially where all those townhomes are located….” she added. A Scottsdale Police spokesman said the department “does not participate in speed traps.” “Officers patrol the city and use input from its citizens using a 480-312-CARS (2277) regarding traffic complaints and interactions with the public,” Sgt. Kevin Quon said. “Citizens and community members can also contact the City Traffic Engineering

Department, via the City of Scottsdale website, for concerns such as speed limits, speed bump requests and other items related to traffic engineering.” The Progress analyzed Scottsdale Police citation data over the past year to assess the validity of the speed trap claims. The data included citations for aggressive driving, reckless driving and various other speeding-related charges between June 13, 2020 and June 12, 2021. According to the data, Chaparral Road ranked fifth citywide with 232 total citations in that time despite the road’s relatively short length. Chaparral Road in Scottsdale runs just under 3 miles, and the 1-mile stretch between Scottsdale and Hayden roads – the area where Collins was stopped – accounted for 200 of the 232 citations. By comparison, three of the other topfive streets for speed-related citations run well over 10 miles long. Scottsdale and Hayden roads, which each run over 19 miles long, had 430 and 224 citations, respectively. Shea Boulevard runs about 12 miles through Scottsdale and had 370 citations. The only other exception was Indian School Road, the street with the most speeding-related citations. Indian School is just under four miles long in Scottsdale and had 466 citations, according to the data.

Neighbors, planners oppose Shea complex plan BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

proposed apartment complex in Scottsdale’s Shea Corridor has generated opposition from neighboring businesses and the city Planning Commission. The District at 9400 Shea project by Houston-based Kaplan Multifamily Partners would bring a 48-foot, 219-unit apartment complex to a vacant 3.9-acre lot south of the 94 Hundred Shea Corporate Center just east of 92nd Street and Shea Boulevard. The developer is asking the city to rezone both the lot and the existing corporate center from commercial to a planned

unit development, which would also require City Council approval of a minor general plan amendment because the land use would change to a mixed-use that can include residential alongside office and retail. To qualify for the mixed-use designation, Kaplan’s application packages the existing shopping center and 4-acre apartment site into a single 11-acre property. The Planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend Council reject the project when it hears the case next month. That vote was supported by many neighboring business owners, who argued the apartment project – which would be located behind the connected shopping

center without direct access to Shea Boulevard – does not fit in an area dominated by commercial, retail and medical offices. City staff received 20 statements opposing the project, including letters from 13 doctors who work in neighboring office parks and a letter from CVS Health Vice President Michael Kurimcak. CVS Caremark, the national healthcare company, has a corporate office to the east of the 9400 Shea site. Alexis Firehawk, an attorney representing the neighboring Ironwood Office Suites property owners, told the commission the apartment project’s lack of direct street access is a major hang up for neigh-

see SHEA page 8

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

WestWorld plans explosive on July 4 fete BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

or the largest fireworks show in Scottsdale history, head to WestWorld next Sunday. Returning for its eighth year, the Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld is produced by R Entertainment and M Culinary Concepts and this year, it’s bigger than ever, thanks to sponsors Subaru, Budweiser and Hensley Beverage Company, said Eric Park, spokesman for LAX Zone for Subaru of America. While many area municipalities are holding fireworks shows, the WestWorld event is notable for several reasons. First, it may be able to claim the biggest display since both Tempe – arguably sponsors of the Valley’s biggest fireworks show on July 4th – and Phoenix have both canceled any special July 4 events for the second consecutive year. Even more significant, VIP ticket holders at the WestWorld show can actually walk around since attendees at all East Valley municipal-sponsored shows must stay

For its eighth year, the Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration returns to WestWorld to deliver patriotic and “cool” entertainment. (R Entertainment)

in or very close to their vehicles. More or less, that same be-near-your-vehicle rule applies to WestWorld attendees who don’t buy VIP tickets.

WestWorld’s five-hour event will boast a fireworks show twice the size of last year’s with 6,000 shells set to blow up. Attendees will also be able to participate

Ask Victor how a young person can get into his line of business and you’ll get the kind of answer to be expected from someone who has three first names (his first name comes from his grandfathers’ names slammed together). “Don’t, would be my recommendation,” he said. “The truth is, there is no career path to this. How this works is most people involved knew somebody who did this. They got invited in, and decide, ‘This is fun, I want to continue to do this. “You do it out of the love. We give you a flare and explosives and say, ‘You get to light that on fire and blow it up.’” Victor was 19 when his best friend married into a fireworks company. His friend invited him to try his hand with the professional-grade goods. It was love at first light. Victor still remembers what he thought the first time he set off the big boomers: “Oh, this rocks.”

Not that this line of work involved any kind of philosophical change. “I’ve always liked setting things on fire,” Victor said. “I spent a long time without eyebrows as a kid.” Thirty years after getting his start as a professional pyro, he is one of the lucky ones. “Most of our people (in fireworks) have real jobs and do this on the side. But the company I worked for got bought out by a California company, and my boss said, ‘How’d you like to come into this full time?’” For most, he said, “At best it’s a glorified hobby. If you’re in it for the pay, you’re in the wrong place.” While the firecrackers themselves don’t change much over the years, Victor said he wants to make every Independence Day celebration different. “I take a lot of time planning out the body of the show, planning out what should be in the grand finale.” He’s been shooting off the fireworks show

in a slew of live family friendly entertainment and activities. “This year, we’ve really stepped it up,” said Kerry Dunne, principal of R Entertainment and organizer of the event. “We’ve got a national sponsor that is coming into the market to do some really wonderful things.” For example, for the first time, the Subaru Scottsdale Fourth of July event will feature a snow day in July with a giant snow slide in the North Hall and 4,000 pounds of snow. “[It’ll] probably be the only place to sled on July Fourth in the state of Arizona,” Dunne said. “We’re really excited.” In this air-conditioned space, VIP Backyard Barbecue ticketholders will have access to face painters, balloon artists, a roving magician and live music by quartet Brock Pro Patriots and yacht rock band Some Like it Yacht. VIP ticket holders will also be treated to a buffet-style barbecue prepared by Chef Michael DeMaria of M Culinary, including

see FIREWORKS page 17

Love at first light for ‘professional pyro’ BY TOM SCANLON Progress Staff Writer

hen the dark sky snaps to life over WestWorld and much of the East Valley and fireworks go off in fiery trails with squeaky sounds before the inevitable “BOOM,” some will say “oooh” and others “aaaah.” Kendon Victor will say: “Who wants some more?” Victor is a longtime employee of Fireworks Productions of Arizona, a Chandler pyrotechnics powerhouse that will be as busy this week as Santa Claus during Christmas. ‘I’m the ‘head pyro’ for Mesa on the 3rd, Buckeye on the 4th,” Victor said. “The week of the 4th, we’ll do 81 fireworks displays. We’ve got 22 shows scheduled for the 3rd, 48 displays on the 4th.” Besides WestWorld, his company will put on the sky show for fireworks community celebrations in Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction as well as Mesa.

in Mesa for seven years, first at the Mesa Amphitheater before the show moved to the Fiesta Mall last year and this weekend. He wouldn’t give away any secrets about the show here July 3, other than to make a big promise: “The best way I can describe it is: something amazing and spectacular.” Victor has been shooting fireworks for 30 years, during the big 4th celebrations, weddings, corporate events, high school graduations, homecomings and sporting events. He enjoys putting new spins on something that’s been around for hundreds of years. “According to historical data, fireworks were created by the Chinese,” Victor noted. “They accidentally created fireworks when they lit gunpowder on fire, then they thought, ‘Wow, this is cool.’ “Originally, they set off fireworks to chase away demons and devils.” Does it work? “Never chased away any of mine.” Ka-boom.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

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CITY NEWS

SHEA from page 4

bors. Most traffic from the complex would have to travel through the connected corporate center to Shea Boulevard. The project would also have an exitonly lane on the south side that would feed into the Ironwood Office Suites complex and allow residents to access 92nd Street. That lane is permitted under a public access easement. But some Ironwood business owners argued that easement was instituted under existing commercial zoning with the assumption it would provide public access between similar non-residential uses. In a form letter, 13 doctors who operate in the Ironwood complex argued the apartment would increase traffic and pose a safety risk for patients. “We are medical service providers and have non-ambulatory patients and parents with toddlers in tow coming to our businesses dally,” the letter said. “The major increase in traffic that would come with this development would be a safety hazard.” Attorney Paul Gilbert, who represents the developer, told the Commission they tried unsuccessfully for over a year to work out an amicable agreement with the Ironwood property owners. Still, Gilbert said the developer agreed to a concession by making the Ironwood lane an exit-only even though the easement could allow for entering traffic as well. Gilbert and city staff mentioned another possible solution involving neighboring property owners with a separate apartment complex proposal before the city. According to plans filed with the city, Scottsdale-based Caliber plans to develop a five-to-six-story, 338-unit apartment complex on a site that borders 92nd Street and is located just west of the 9400 Shea project. Under this alternative plan, a third exit would run through the Caliber property, giving 9400 Shea residents access to 92nd Street. A stipulation in the proposal to Council would require Kaplan to split the cost of traffic signal on 92nd Street with Caliber if the two sides come to an agreement. In an email to city staff in April, Jim Riggs, one of the property owners involved in the Caliber project, said the two sides have reached an impasse.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

there is a need for more apartment options. According to commercial real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield, Scottsdale had an apartment vacancy rate of just 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2021, below the 4.3 vacancy rate seen Valleywide. Gilbert argued the apartments could also help alleviate some traffic issues by giving residents employed in the area a new nearby housing option. According to a report by city staff, the overall 11-acre site would have a residential density of about 21 dwelling units per acre. But, if the already developed commercial center is removed from the equation, the standalone 3.9-acre apartment complex would have nearly 60 The District at 9400 Shea proposal would bring a 212-unit apartment complex to a vacant lot behind units per acre. Planning Commisthe 94 Hundred Shea Corporate Center that is located just east of 92nd Street and Shea Boulevard. sioner Christian SerThe Scottsdale Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend denial of the project. (Progress ﬁle image) ena said that is much too dense for any area But Riggs told the Progress the two other north-south alternatives. of the city outside of the downtown or sides have since resumed negotiations. Firehawk said the density of the apartScottsdale Airpark. “We are in discussions with the Kaplan ment project simply did not fit in with the He argued that approval of the project people and their counsel, because when surrounding uses. would set a bad precedent by allowing the there’s two projects adjacent to each oth“For the doctors and healthcare providdeveloper to take advantage of the multier with different ownership there’s prob- ers that invested in this property…did so use zoning to drive up allowable density ably half-a-dozen issues that you have in with the expectation that there’d be simion a small parcel of land. common to work out, and we’re making lar office uses to the north consistent with Others on the commission were more good progress on that,” Riggs said. current zoning,” she said. “The area is desympathetic to Gilbert’s argument about The access issue is not the only problem signed commercial; the intent was never the lack of housing options. neighbors have with Kaplan’s project. to include residential.” “Is this an appropriate use for the area? In a letter to the city, Dr. Scott Bernstein, But Gilbert, the developer’s attorney, You know I think that based on Mr. Gilan Ironwood property owner, said the in- said the apartment project is needed due bert’s report back that there’s a 5 percent creased density at the site would also fur- to a lack of diverse housing options in the vacancy rate in multifamily residential in ther traffic on Shea Boulevard. area. this area speaks to itself that this is a very A 2018 city study found the section of “There is no housing to service that reneeded type of development use in the Shea Boulevard near Loop 101 is one of tail and office,” he said. area,” Vice Chair Joe Young said. the most congested roadways in ScottHe cited Scottsdale’s General Plan and Young was joined by Chair Renee Higgs sdale and suggested improved nearby the city’s Shea Area Plan, which states and Commissioner William Scarbrough in roadways to divert traffic. that a “variety of housing choices should voting in favor of the project. That same study noted 92nd Street be provided.” That vote is not binding and Council will was at only 37 to 45 percent capacity and Gilbert said while there is residential have the final say July 1. could serve as a connector from Shea to housing up and down Shea Boulevard,

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

DOWNTOWN from front

voter referendum last year. Prior to 2018, the Old Town Character Area Plan divvied up downtown into Type 1 and Type 2 development areas, with the low-density Type 1 areas forming a “donut hole” in the center surrounded by the taller Type 2 areas, said Adam Yaron, the city’s principal planner. At the time, the Type 1 areas included historic Old Town, parts of the Arts District and 5th Avenue that are zoned for heights between 40 and 48 feet. The Type 2 areas covered much of the rest of downtown and allowed developers to request bonus heights of up to 90 feet if they met certain criteria. It also allowed property owners in Type 2 areas north of the canal near Fashion Square Mall and around the HonorHealth medical campus to request heights up to 150 feet. The 2018 plan kept the Type 1 and Type 2 areas and created a Type 3 category for the areas that allowed heights up to 150 feet. It also created a Type 2.5 area with heights up to 120 feet on 10 acres east of 5th Avenue.

According to city staff, the changes also added another 86 acres of downtown real estate to the Type 3 designation, effectively allowing 150foot heights in parts of the Arts District, the Entertainment District and areas bordering 5th Avenue that previously were designated as a transition area between Type 1 and Type 2 development. Mayor David Ortega, who criticized the impact of increased densities during his campaign, highlighted the areas of the plan he would like to change. He said he would like to eliminate the areas downtown where Type 3 zones – those with Scottsdale’s character area plan for downtown has the greatest maximum changed several times over the years. An update in 2018 heights and densities added areas where buildings can be built up to 120 to – bump up against low150 feet tall by adding Type 2.5 (tan) and Type 3 (purple) profile zones. zones. (City of Scottsdale) According to a pre-

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sentation by city staff, the intent of the downtown plan was to gradually scale up heights and densities throughout downtown with Type 2 areas providing buffers between the lower-scale Type 1 and taller Type 2.5 and 3. But Ortega said that is not always the case, citing areas near 5th Avenue and south of Main Street where Type 3 and 2.5 zones bump up against Type 1 zones. “It’s an obvious flaw in the system… several of these mapping problems where you have a zoning area that is less than 250 feet, such as up into 5th Avenue, are areas that need to be corrected….” Ortega said. But changing the downtown plan alone wouldn’t necessarily restrict the new height allowances included in the 2018 changes. Randy Grant, the city’s planning executive director, said the character plan is what the council uses to state its intent and vision for the downtown area, but it is not a zoning document that regulates heights. “But if we don’t get into the zoning issues, we’re going to leave you very unsatisfied, I think, and if someone were to come in with a project that meets the zoning

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

GOFUNDME from front

grandmother to four, grew up in Scottsdale and moved back to the city a few years ago. Four of her daughters still live at home with her, including her youngest, who is only 12. But Velarde-Smith is unsure how she will keep a roof over their heads. “I have family and they try to help me, and eventually I will probably end up having to live with them, but, you know, no one has that much space,” she said. Despite her cancer diagnosis in 2017, Velarde-Smith continued to work for a local business selling two-way radios until she was laid off during the pandemic. “My boss was great,” she said. “Even when I was sick, he would still pay even if I couldn’t come in, but with all the COVID stuff, you know, he just couldn’t continue doing that.” Serandon Smith, one of Velarde-Smith’s daughters, started a GoFundMe campaign to help her mother and sisters pay the bills. The campaign is seeking a relatively modest $6,000 that Smith said would help them cover the next two months of rent and utilities. As of June 24, the campaign had raised $3,375. The is at gofund.me/e24eb293. Since losing her job, Velarde-Smith has managed to scrape by using federal COVID-19 stimulus money, but those checks have run out. She has filed for state unemployment insurance benefits and Social Security disability but has yet to receive a cent due to what appears to be a combination of bureaucratic red tape and bad luck. After she submitted her unemployment claim, Velarde-Smith said the application went unprocessed for months even

A GoFundMe for Scottsdale resident Bertie Velarde-Smith is asking for $6,000 to help the Scottsdale mother cover rent and utilities for the next two months.(GoFundMe)

though she made frequent attempts to find out what was causing the hold up. She said she called the state Department of Economic Security multiple times to find out if there was anything missing from her application, “I just got the answer of ‘no, they should be able to fix it; they should be able to get it through here soon,’ Velarde-Smith said. Finally, months after she applied, Velarde-Smith heard back from DES: the agency simply needed a copy of her driver’s license. She said she sent in the license photo two weeks ago and still hasn’t heard back. It is unclear why it took months for DES to correct what appeared to be a simple clerical error. A department spokeswoman declined comment. “Our team reviewed the case and reached out to Ms. Velarde-Smith earlier this week to share information with her,” spokeswoman Tasya Peterson told the Progress.

“DES remains dedicated to ensuring all claimants who are eligible receive critical assistance. While we cannot comment on specific claims, there are several eligibility requirements for each claimant that must be considered. If an individual does not agree with an eligibility determination, they have the right to file an appeal, after which a hearing will be scheduled.” Velarde-Smith said she also tried to apply for federal disability benefits. She said she worked with a company recommended by a friend that was supposed to help her navigate the application process and submit her information. But, after some initial phone calls, she had not been able to reach the company and it turns out they did not file anything on her behalf with the Social Security Administration. “So I called just recently to disability directly and asked ‘what’s the hold up?’ and they’re like ‘we don’t have anything from you,’” Velarde-Smith said. Velarde-Smith did not recall the com-

pany’s name. Patricia Raymond, a spokeswoman for the Social Security Administration, said she could not comment but provided information on where Velarde-Smith could receive additional assistance with her case. She said individuals seeking to file a disability claim can do so online at ssa. gov/benefits/disability. “They can apply from the comfort of their home or any location at a time most convenient for them,” Raymond said. “Members of the public do not need to drive to their local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.” Raymond said individuals that need more support can find a list of legal referral services and non-profit organizations that provide other support at ssa.gov/locator. She said the SSN also has a compassionate allowance process to expedite claims from people suffering from qualifying illnesses, including some cancers, brain disorders and rare disorders that affect children. A full list of the 200 conditions that qualify for this service is available at ssa. gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm. Despite the continued setbacks, Velarde-Smith has kept her head down, hoping the money would come through. But, with money running out, she is asking the community for help, difficult as that may be. “I know there’s a lot of people that are willing to help,” she said. “Someone asked me ‘why did you wait so long?’” “You just try to survive and not be a burden on other people, but there comes a time when you just have to ask for help, because a lot of times it is just right there waiting to help.”

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

DOWNTOWN from page 9

requirements but is in conflict with the (character plan), we’re going to have a difficult time telling them they can’t come forward to the Council,” Grant said. Ortega said the discussion would be isolated to the character area plan and not address zoning. But later in the discussion, several other council members indicated they would like to include zoning issues that could shrink the max heights for new downtown in the future. Vice Mayor Betty Janik, Solange Whitehead and Tom Durham all said they would like Council to discuss reducing or eliminating bonuses that allow heights beyond what is allowed under base zoning. Those bonuses are what have allowed some developers to build between 90 and 150 feet in downtown zones. According to city staff, the base max height in some areas is 66 feet but developers can achieve heights of between 78 and 120 feet on parcels that total at least 100,000 square feet. Parcels must total at least 200,000 square feet to achieve the maximum bonuses. Developers must also agree to contribute to public improvements or benefits to qualify for the bonuses. Even if the development meets those requirements, it must also receive City Council approval to achieve bonus heights. Defenders of the bonus process – which was adopted in 1986 – have long argued it incentivizes redevelopment and attracts more residents to live downtown. Councilwoman Linda Milhaven said the program has been “wildly successful” and that Council should continue to attract more people to live and work downtown. “I believe we can do it with quality (projects)… but we need to continue to provide opportunities for folks to request at the City Council things that will help us with economic development,” she said. But detractors argue the required public improvements are largely inconsequential and increased height and density overburden infrastructure. “The bonus heights did not work as advertised,” Whitehead said. “The changes from 2009 to 2018 is just fraught with some unintended consequences and some oddball zoning.” Though the Council majority asked staff to begin the process of revising the downtown plan in August, not all mem-

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Mayor David Ortega bers were on board. Milhaven and Tammy Caputi both said they did not see the need for changes, arguing reducing heights would negatively impact economic development. Bastien Andruet, a lobbyist with the Arizona Multihousing Association, also called in to oppose the proposed changes, arguing they would make it more difficult to build apartments in Scottsdale as the city struggles with a housing shortage. Both Andruet and Caputi also suggested major changes to downtown zoning could put the city at odds with state law. They cited SB 1409, which requires cities to first consider the impact on the cost of building houses before passing new zoning ordinances. “The state is pursuing reform through legislation to preempt the city and they are absolutely targeting Scottsdale,” Andruet said. Caputi added, “So the state is looking at city zoning in general very aggressively for the first time in a long time, and they’re punishing cities for restrictions that add to construction costs, particularly in housing, which is what we’re suggesting happens if we decrease density in our city.” But those arguments didn’t sway the Council majority. “I suggest to you the plan we have now does not reflect the values of our citizens,” said Littlefield, who, along with Milhaven, actually voted to approve the new character area plan and zoning changes in 2018.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

County seeks citizen scientists for Eco-Blitz BY TARA ALATORRE Progress Contributor

Participating parks Maricopa County’s regional parks that are a part of the Eco-Blitz Program include: Adobe Dam Regional Park Buckeye Hills Regional Park Cave Creek Regional Park Hassayampa River Preserve Lake Pleasant Regional Park McDowell Mountain Regional Park San Tan Regional Park Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Usery Mountain Regional Park Vulture Mountains Recreation Area White Tanks Mountain Regional Park Anyone interested in the program can download the iNaturalist app or visit inaturalist.org. There is also a brochure available there and an instructional video on MC Parks YouTube channel.

aricopa County is looking for citizen scientists to gather and upload photo observations of Saguaro blooms and white-winged doves for its June Eco-Blitz program. Participants can join by creating an account at iNaturalist’s website to register. Once registered, search for “Maricopa County Parks Eco-Blitz” through the app or website, select the join option, and upload captured photos of Saguaro blooms or white-winged doves when visiting any of the 12 parks managed by the county in June. Participants can attempt to identify the species themselves, or if they are unsure the app or an iNaturalist expert will suggest the correct species based on the photos uploaded. “If participants get it wrong, that’s OK. There are a variety of regional experts in the Valley that are willing to review photos, identify them, confirm and suggest the actual species. This is all part of the learning process of the program,” a Maricopa County Parks spokesperson said. According to Maricopa County’s Natural Resource Specialist Juanita ArmstrongUllberg, the app’s suggestions are often accurate if the photos uploaded contain high resolution, lighting and display identifiable characteristics. She also suggests asking rangers at their

Pictured is a white-winged dove, which is one of the species that is a part of this month’s Eco-Blitz Program. Using the iNaturalist’s app or website, citizens can upload photos of species observed in Maricopa Parks, and the data collected can be used by staff to better manage the parks. (Photo by Vera Markham)

nature center, if someone is unsure of the species identification. “This is a fun, fantastic way to learn about native species,” Armstrong-Ullberg said. “The more people know, the more people care.” She said the staff chose Saguaro blooms and white-winged doves for the June EcoBlitz because the bird’s breeding season is

synchronized with the reproductive cycle of the Saguaro. “Saguaros are a keystone species in the Sonoran Desert and provide nesting, shelter, and food for many birds, insects, and bat species,” she said. “These birds rely on Saguaros almost solely for nutrients and water during the breeding season.” She suggests that participants take photos while visiting the parks but upload them from home because it provides more opportunity to identify the species and it’s often faster to upload photos. However, if someone wants instant feedback, they can upload the image in the field. Eco-Blitz was launched in February by

“Well, we were having a get together one year and somebody brought over their dog that was painted with stars and stripes, and I thought, ‘Why not get a whole bunch of people together to march around and show off what they’ve got?” Kicking off at 7 a.m. July 4, the neighborhood Fourth of July parade starts and ends at Mescal Park, a 10-acre park in central Scottsdale with an equestrian arena and a half-mile trail for horseback riders and hikers alike. The parade will not only feature dressedup animals, patriotic music, and plenty of horses, but thanks to one Scottsdale resident, it’ll also have a military presence.

“One guy got in touch with me and asked if I could take on an Army vehicle, and I said, ‘Sure! Whatever you want to bring in,’” Lill said. For Lill, the presence of veterans at the parade is important. “I nicknamed this parade ‘The Freedom Parade’ because what I want to do – what I want people to do – is to embrace the freedom that America enjoys,” she explained. The parade is free and open to the public. “The more the merrier is the way I look at it,” Lill said. Lill’s last go at organizing the parade was in 2015, and she’s thrilled to bring

the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and is designed to help educate participants about native species, while increasing park’s data collection on each park’s biodiversity. The data collected will help wildlife managers make more informed decisions when it comes to protecting these areas. The scientific data can also be used by universities and students conducting research for school projects and possible future studies as iNaturalist allows others to download the data. Each month the parks offer a different challenge to participants that joined EcoBlitz and the featured species highlights the animals and plants that are most active during that month. The monthly challenge will be featured on Maricopa Parks social media and an email is sent to registered participants. There are 45 Eco-Blitz participants officially registered, with 3,102 observations and 564 species identified, and the department is excited to see more people join the Eco-Blitz program as well as increased data collection, according to the department. “It is going really well, and obviously the more people we get involved the better. The goal is a few thousand people registered, but I would be happy with a few hundred,” Armstrong-Ullberg said. “The more people that are doing it, the better data that we are going to get.”

Mescal Park Parade founder says it’s a go BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

n 2003, 40-year Scottsdale resident Lori Lill organized what would soon become a nearly 20-year tradition at Mescal Park: the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July parade. And this year is no exception. After taking one year off for the pandemic, the neighborhood parade is back – and with Lill at the helm, no less. “I’m originally from the Midwest, in Chicago area, and we used to have neighborhood get-togethers and parades on the Fourth of July,” Lill said.

it back this year, particularly as a way to help her neighbors – and the community at large – reconnect after a year of masked interactions and social distancing. “It’s just the beginning of a great day, July 4th. People are going to be happy to see newcomers and all the people, the neighbors that have been hiding in the cage for 14 months now. It’ll be nice to shake hands with somebody,” she said. If you go Mescal Park Fourth of July Parade Where: 11015 N. 68th Place When: Starts at 7 a.m. Cost: Free

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

Contractors watchdog: shortages demand patience BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor

small inventory of available homes isn’t the only problem impacting the Valley’s housing industry. Building material shortages and an inadequate labor pool have become bad enough that the state watchdog for the contracting industry is urging building and remodeling companies and their customers to exercise patience, candor and understanding. And price increases over the past 12 months have raised an alarm by the Associated General Contractors of America over the future solvency of many companies. Citing shortages in key materials such as wood as well as a need for workers, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors last week urged homeowners and contractors to have patience and keep open lines of communication regarding their projects. “From new home builds and pools to installing air conditioning units, both residential and commercial contractors alike have been struggling to get materials and find enough workers to fulfill existing contracts and start new ones, according to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America,” ROC noted in a release. Moreover, the contractors association last week released an analysis that concluded, “The cost of goods and services used in construction climbed by a recordsetting 4.3 percent in May and 24.3 percent over the past 12 months, jeopardizing contractors’ solvency and construction workers’ employment.” Last week, another wood-related group gave a different take even as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said lumber prices appeared to be falling. The American Wood Council said, “A variety of issues have spurred an imbalance between lumber supply and demand, and more importantly, what can be done about it. “Sawmill capacity increased by 1.4 billion board feet in the last year and Forisk recently announced that it expects another 1.6 billion board feet in expanded capacity the second half of this year,” the Wood Council said, noting another company announced it will build a new sawmill – but it will take two years to become operational. Noting Powell’s assertion that lumber

While the staggering increase in lumber supplies appears to be stabilizing, the availability of lumber emains a problem.

prices appeared to be falling, the Wood Council said, “The most meaningful opportunity to address constraints to lumber supply is to focus on transportation and workforce limitations. These challenges were present before the pandemic and have exacerbated the current situation.” The Associated General Contractors of America cited a variety of products impacted by steep price increases over the last 12 months – including products made from wood, metals, plastics, and gypsum. “The producer price index for lumber and plywood more than doubled—rocketing 111 percent from May 2020 to last month,” it said. “The index for steel mill products climbed 75.6 percent, while the index for copper and brass mill shapes rose 60.4 percent and the index for aluminum mill shapes increased 28.6 percent. The index for plastic construction products rose 17.5 percent. The index for gypsum products such as wallboard climbed 14.1 percent. Fuel costs, which contractors pay directly to operate their own trucks and off-road equipment, as well as through surcharges on freight deliveries, have also jumped.” Association officials said the Biden administration can provide immediate relief from some price pressures by ending tariffs on Canadian lumber, along with tariffs and quotas on steel and aluminum from numerous countries. But tariffs may not be the only issue impacting lumber prices, according to the financial website thehustle.com. It noted that lumber demand cratered in the U.S. when the housing market collapsed in 2008, forcing more than 30 large sawmills out of business.

And Canada, which supplies a third of American lumber, also has had its share of problems, including an infestation of barkeating beetles in the early 2000s that wiped out 44 million acres of forest and 60 percent of British Columbia’s pine. Subsequently, wildfires in 2017 and 2018 devastated another 6.2 million acres of Canadian forest. Atop that, American lumber mills early last year reduced their production by 40 percent, expecting the pandemic to cut down demand. Instead, the opposite happened, The Hustle said. Building more mills is not an option, it added, citing the two-year construction time and $100 million cost of building a state-of-the-art mill. Moreover, The Hustle said, “Today’s mills rely on microprocessors and heavy machinery – markets that face their own shortages. The contractors group earlier this month offered a grim forecast for the immediate future. “Contractors are being told they must wait nearly a year to receive shipments of steel and four to six months for roofing materials,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These delays make it impossible to start some projects and to complete others, leaving contractors unable to keep workers employed. In addition, soaring prices for steel, lumber, and other materials are deterring owners from committing to going ahead with projects.” Simonson also noted that contractors are having considerable difficulty finding qualified workers “as some people remain reluctant to return to work while their children are learning from home, or they are collecting elevated unemployment

supplements.” “Steadily worsening production and delivery delays have exceeded even the record cost increases for numerous materials as the biggest headache for many nonresidential contractors,” he said. “If they can’t get the materials, they can’t put employees to work.” Associated General Contractors of America CEO Stephen E. Sandherr also took a swipe at the Biden Administration’s actions it will take to address supply-chain disruptions. “The President could provide immediate relief from soaring prices for lumber, steel and aluminum by removing harmful tariffs and quotas,” he said. “Unfortunately, the President’s recommendations ignore that quick and effective approach. “Instead, these proposals would limit the ability of workers and employers to fill needed construction positions. Imposing mandated hiring percentages from certain localities and training programs, dictating inflexible labor agreements, and setting artificially high pay rates will diminish the number of firms and workers available to carry out vital infrastructure and other construction programs.” Meanwhile, the Registrar of Contractors noted that one of the most common complaints it receives involve “broken communication lines between a contractor and the property owner.” “If the ongoing labor and supply shortages are going to impact a current project,” it said, contractors should “keep an open and honest dialogue with the homeowner about the status of the project and any expected or unexpected delays.” It also said contractors should tell clients about the shortages before even making a bid or estimate on a project. “Contractors should not take on projects if they know they will not be able to fulfill them,” the agency also advised, warning it will investigate complaints about lessthan-forthcoming contractors who don’t discuss the shortage with clients until well after they’ve taken their money. On the other hand, ROC also advised clients to be patient when supply shortages delay completion times. “Disciplining a license or investigating a case will not make material shortages

see CONTRACTORS page 17

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

FIREWORKS from page 6

hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ pulled chicken, creamy potato salad, fresh-cut watermelon, and vanilla ice cream with red, white, blue sprinkles. Guests will be greeted by a 2,000-cupcake display of the American Flag. Other events include the Parade of Heroes honoring five community leaders for “their tireless efforts to protect and improve the lives of Arizonans.” The names have yet to be released, but on the day of the event, the heroes will take the stage inside the North Hall and then ceremoniously escorted around the WestWorld complex in red, white, and blue Subaru vehicles. In addition to an expanded lineup of entertainment, Subaru Scottsdale 4th will also boast an expanded footprint to welcome thousands more to WestWorld versus last year. In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scottsdale 4th had the space to host about 1,000 guests safety, compared to the 15,000 people who attended the 2019 fireworks show. “We have enormous capacity,” Dunne said of this year’s event, which will occupy the North Hall, which has a capacity of about 3,000 people, the polo field, which holds about 900, and the rest of the surrounding WestWorld parking lot. “We got WestWorld to help us open up the rest of the parking lot, so people can come in and watch, put up their folding chairs, get their cooler out, get their fried chicken and just have a wonderful time watching the fireworks,” Dunne said. Last year in response to the pandemic, the organizers allowed guests to bring their own party to the Polo Field. “You could throw all the kids in the station wagon, come out, bring your cooler,

CONTRACTORS from page 16

decrease and if possible, it’s always best to try to resolve issues with the contractor before filing a complaint,” it said. “Homeowners should know 95 percent of licensed contractors never have a complaint filed against their license and the ones who do often work to resolve those complaints. If a homeowner is experiencing a problem, AZ ROC is always here to answer questions and to assist with resolving workmanship or abandonment issues if such issues arise.”

bring your food and enjoy a great firework show. Well, people loved that, so we incorporated that into this year’s event,” Dunne said. Not new to the event, however, is the charitable aspect. Like last year, a portion of each ticket purchased benefits a specific organization. Last year, it was Scottsdale-based nonprofit notMYkid; this year, it’s St. Mary’s Food Bank and Subaru will match the funds. So far, the response to this year’s Fourth of July has been positive, according to Dunne. So much so, they sold nearly 1,000 tickets on the first day of sales. “We were in shock,” Dunne said. “We have never had this many tickets sold this far out in advance. In the eight-year history of this event, we are pacing at an unbelievable record. I think we will set a record this year for attendance. “People are ready to get out. They want to celebrate,” Dunne added. For VIP ticketholders, doors open at 5 p.m. For Polo Field parking and GA parking, gates open at 6:30 p.m. “We’re going to just create an environment of fun for the families,” Dunne said. “Let’s not even think about the ‘P’ word anymore or the ‘COVID’ word. Let’s turn the page and celebrate our country.” Information and tickets: Scottsdale4th.com

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

Fire devastated Tonto Forest near Globe BY GIANLUCA D'ELIA Cronkite News

ehind closed road signs in evacuated small towns 90 miles east of Gilbert and Mesa, blackened trees stand slathered with pink �ire retardant as dust devils from the ashes of the Telegraph Fire twirl past. Since igniting June 4, the wild�ire has chewed through nearly 180,750 acres in the Tonto National Forest, damaging 52 structures but causing no injuries or fatalities. Fire of�icials opened some affected areas to reporters Wednesday, offering a �irst look at the blaze, which was 89 percent contained last Thursday. The Telegraph Fire is one of the largest Arizona wild�ires in the state’s history. Last year’s Bush Fire spread across 193,000 acres, according to InciWeb, an interagency wild�ire information system. The 2011 Wallow Fire, Arizona’s largest, burned more than 500,000 acres.

Pushing back scorched soil along a trail off State Route 77, Hunter uncovered dirt that still was light brown. She said soil, grass and plants in the region have mostly burned at their surfaces and will grow back within a year. The loss of shrub coverage also helps to reduce additional ﬁre threats.

Public information of�icers for the �ire said Telegraph’s growth has been fed by excessive heat, long-term drought and high winds. The area southwest of Globe is accustomed to seasonal wild�ires and expected to recover, said Molly Hunter, a University of Arizona �ire ecologist, and Telegraph Fire public information of�icer Virginia Price. Pushing back scorched soil along a trail off State Route 77, Hunter uncovered dirt that still was light brown. She said soil, grass and plants in the region have mostly burned at their surfaces and will grow

A thunderstorm approaches the charred landscape around Pinal Peak near Claypool on June 23. Fireﬁghters and ecologists hope monsoon rains quickly revive the vegetation. (Gianluca D’Elia/Cronkite News)

The Telegraph Fire “came across the landscape as a wind-driven ﬁre when it found the right fuels, the right day, mixed with the high heat they had in the region here,” says Bob Sjolund, part of a response team that came to Arizona from Oregon. “It was the perfect combination for what they call a perfect storm.” (Gianluca D’Elia/Cronkite News)

back within a year. The loss of shrub coverage also helps to reduce additional �ire threats. “There’s some char on it and some ash,

but the bark is still there,” Hunter said, crouching over a burned bush and examining its bare branches. “Once you get a little bit of moisture, it’ll start producing

new leaves. “The grasses, in particular, are going to love this �ire. As long as there is signi�icant moisture this year, by next year, you’ll see grasses rebounding.” Lower temperatures and rain on Wednesday helped efforts to contain the blaze. Now that monsoon season has arrived, the expected storms will help restore moisture to the terrain in Gila County. For days, aircrafts also have dropped a retardant containing fertilizer to slow the �ire and restore moisture to the soil. Fire�ighters from as far away as Madras, Oregon, responded to the Telegraph Fire. Bob Sjolund, division supervisor of Northwest Team 6, has spent the past two weeks on the �ire lines. He said both residents of nearby towns and the ecosystem itself are awaiting rainfall from monsoon storms. “The landscape, the animals need that to happen to give it a fresh start,” he said. “The big picture here is that folks who do put their homes in the urban interface, it is a challenge for wildland �ire�ighters.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

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Cowboy artist needs help after stroke

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

ontemporary cowboy artist Michael Swearngin and his sister, Lindsey Nix, are in search of the community’s support. Nix set up a GoFundMe on May 30 to raise money for Swearngin, who recently suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side. “He makes his living as a painter and now he can barely move or talk,” wrote Nix. “He has visual and mobility impairments. He needs financial help to cover the doctor bills from his surgery and stroke.” The stroke followed surgery to correct the artist’s hydrocephalus, what the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes as an abnormal buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain.

Local contemporary cowboy artist Michael Swearngin suffered a stroke after he had surgery for hydrocephalus. (GoFundMe/Lindsey Nix)

The excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, in turn putting pressure on the brain’s tissues. According to Nix, Swearngin’s insurance stopped paying for his therapy in early June. The money raised by Nix’s GoFundMe will go toward paying for Swearngin’s therapy as well as his assisted-living costs. Swearngin is currently staying at Hazelwood Manor Assisted Living in Scottsdale, where his monthly room and care expensive costs $3,500 out of pocket. “He is still not able to walk, move his right arm, talk well, and see properly. He needs all the help he can get,” Nix said. Nix added, “Will you help Michael?” Other ways the public can help Swearngin is by purchasing his original artwork from his Etsy page, michaelswearngin, and his website, contemporarycowboy.com.

see STROKE page 21

Longtime swimmer marks 91 in the pool

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

ancy Moore was shocked to see dozens of friends and family members gather around the pool at Westminster Village on recent Monday morning. Nancy and her family – including husband Bud Moore and her three kids – thought they would celebrate her 91st birthday with a smaller, more intimate group of people who would cheer her on as she swam one mile in the pool. That mile would commemorate her past triumphs as a competitive swimmer in her 70s. But instead, her birthday celebration and aquatic feat attracted her many friends. “And when Nancy saw the crowd, she

Nancy Moore poses for a photo with husband Bud Moore, just before she swam a mile in celebration of her 91st birthday. (David Moore)

said, ‘I kind of like it,’” laughed Kim Eavenson, spokeswoman for Westminster Village, a retirement and assisted living facility in northern Scottsdale. On June 21, Nancy rang in her 91st birthday, greeting and mingling with her many friends and family before hopping in the pool to swim several laps. As spectators hollered and cheered, tables displayed signs that read, “Nancy’s Fan Club.” “I swam at Alcatraz, and I thought I can show them I can do it again,” Nancy said, citing her past experiences swimming the Alcatraz “Sharkfest” Swim in San Francisco. “She came up to me the other day and said, ‘I’m going to do something for my

see SWIMMER page 20

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

Nancy Moore celebrated her 91st birthday swimming one mile in the Westminster Village pool, as her many friends and family cheered her on. (David Moore)

SWIMMER �� page 19

birthday. I’m going to swim a mile.’ And I think she came up with the idea because I never come up with a very good gift,” Bud joked. Nancy’s swimming history didn’t start with Sharkfest. She was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and started swimming at age 6. While attending Kansas University, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and competed in swim competitions as part of the sorority. Although she competed at the Jewish Community Center as a member of a relay swimming team, it wasn’t until much later in life that Nancy started swimming the open waters. Not only did Nancy decide to compete in the Alcatraz “Sharkfest” Swim at 70 to prove “that 70 is not old” but she placed first in her age group three times and remains the oldest woman to compete and finish the annual San Francisco event. To prepare for the race, Nancy spent months training with personal trainer Bill Crawford at Basic Training Gym in Scottsdale. Next, Nancy needed a wetsuit. So, she contacted Speedo’s Manager of Speedo Sports Promotions Jill Jenkins, who was

so impressed by Nancy being the oldest and only woman to ever register for Sharkfest that Speedo became Nancy’s sponsor for all three races. Nancy competed in three swims, which attract anywhere from 800 to 900 swimmers who compete for fastest time covering the cold 1.5-mile stretch from the east side of the old Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park: in 2001, in 2003 and then in 2009, the latter at the age of 79. “It’s the adrenaline rush you get from attempting such a feat,” Nancy said. Nancy and Bud have lived for the last five years at Westminster, where she is described as caring, fun, active, and sociable. “She really, I think, as a resident exudes what we are as a community here at Westminster: She is a very caring individual. ... She just has a heart of gold,” Eavenson said. “She’s just amazing.” Nancy’s friend of about eight years, Jan Evans, describes her neighbor as thoughtful and deserving of celebration and attention. “I wrote to her, it’s not because you’re 91 years old, and it’s not because you swam one mile, and it’s not because you’re so darn cute,” Evans says with a laugh. “It’s because you’re Nancy. You’re so real. You’re so friendly. You’re so caring and thoughtful of everybody.”

NEIGHBORS

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STROKE �� page 19

Swearngin also has many of his contemporary American cowboy artworks exhibited at local and out-of-state galleries, including Wilde Meyer Gallery and Xanadu Gallery. At both Scottsdale galleries, he has anywhere from five to 15 pieces currently for sale, ranging in price from $395 to $4,000. “If you would rather purchase a print or an original painting that would be great, too,” Nix said. Swearngin began his art career in 1973, after moving to San Antonio, Texas. His interest in the American Cowboy, however, began at a young age. As a kid, Swearngin’s grandfather taught him the heritage of the cattleman and rancher. His paintings now combine contemporary art with the imagery and heritage of the American cowboy; and it’s through these vibrant, vivid paintings that he helps keep the West and its history alive. “It is through my art form that I intuitively paint to express the worn rugged spirit of the American West in my contemporary style. Every painting is an ex-

To help raise money for Swearngin’s therapy, his sister, Lindsey Nix, started a GoFundMe. So far, it has raised more than $3,500 of its $15,000 goal. (GoFundMe/Lindsey Nix)

ploration of these experiences, and my objective is to share them with the viewer,” Swearngin once said about his work.

So far, Nix’s GoFundMe has raised more than $3,500 from 20 donors toward its $15,000.

“Thanks again for all your prayers and donations,” Nix said. Information: gofund.me/5011f319

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Cubicles gave way to donuts for this baker BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Progress Staff Writer

alley native Alex McEntire wanted something different. As she worked a corporate job in Seattle, she filled her free time making donuts. She played with recipes and experimented with flavors. McEntire, who grew up along the Glendale/Peoria border, was inspired by salty, savory and spicy donuts. “I found I was having more fun with donuts than sitting behind my desk,” McEntire said. Just before the pandemic, McEntire opened Chin Up Donuts at 7325 E. Frank Lloyd Wright, Scottsdale. “The whole mission is to provide joy and positivity,” she said. “I opened during the pandemic, when the world and the community needed a little more of it.” Chin Up Donuts is known for its Everything Bagel donut, which shares a salty,

Alex McEntire started Chin Up Donuts in Scottsdale after leaving a corporate job. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

sweet combination. McEntire acknowledges it’s a little, well, questionable. “I have to persuade a lot of people to try it,” she said with a laugh. “It’s such a fun combination that your brain gets a little confused. We switch up donuts with other fun flavors.” Whoa Wasabi is a yeast-raised donut with a sweet and spicy wasabi glaze topped with a ginger-infused caramel drizzle. Sriracha-Cha, another yeastraised donut, has a sweet and spicy Sriracha glaze, and is coated in cinnamon sugar sprinkled with red pepper flakes. “Whatever I eat, I think about how I can turn it into a donut form,” McEntire said. “I just love pushing the boundaries of what’s found in a donut. I don’t think, inherently, they have to be sweet. The more eccentric flavors, the better. I was eating Mexican food and tried to figure out how I can turn it into a donut.”

see DONUT page 23

Ross Aviation expands airport footprint BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

he sky’s the limit for premiere fixed base operator Ross Aviation. Since returning to Scottsdale Municipal Airport in 2016, Ross Aviation has not only become a dominant presence but is also in the midst of expanding — in more ways than one. On June 1, Ross Aviation along with domestic general building contractor JE Dunn Construction broke ground on an expansive new hangar and office building complex at SDL. “Putting shovels in the ground ... is the start of providing even greater hangar capacity for our customers here in Scott-

Ross Aviation along with domestic general building contractor JE Dunn Construction broke ground on an expansive new hangar and office building complex at SDL. (Special to the Progress)

sdale,” said Ross CEO Brian Corbett. And one month prior, Ross Aviation expanded its fixed base operator network with the acquisition of the FBO and other businesses of Silverhawk Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska. “This is an important addition for us, not only from a geographic perspective, but from an operational one as well,” Corbett said. As an FBO, Ross Aviation is what some might describe as a gas station for aircraft. But for Ross Aviation, it’s more than that. As part of their new, 56,000 square

see AVIATION page 23

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

DONUT �� page 22

McEntire once considered a donut with nacho cheese, glaze and Doritos, but the chip became soggy. Like most restaurants and bakeries, Chin Up Donuts suffered through the pandemic. However, McEntire will receive a bit of help, thanks to Vans. She was invited to partner with Vans and its “Foot the Bill” initiative. In this partnership, McEntire designed a shoe as fun merchandise for her shop and to help it grow. She received a cut of the sales of 350 shoes and about 200 T-shirts. McEntire expects to receive the money in about four weeks. “I filled out an application and then filmed a video in the shop telling our story,” said McEntire, whose older sister, coincidentally, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. “A few weeks later, I found out I was selected to participate in it. “I designed the shoe, both of which were available for sale. They designed the corresponding T-shirt. It was fun to design shoes. I wanted something gender neutral. I went off the branding of my boxes with stripes and cactus to tie in the Arizona roots.” The Kellis High School graduate calls it a “fairly simple design.”

AVIATION �� page 22

foot hangar and their two 3,000 square foot office buildings – a $13 million project – they will have even more space for their base customers at SDL. The new facility will also feature two primary bays with the capability to easily accommodate both Gulfstream 650 and Bombardier Global Express aircraft. “[The] groundbreaking further affirms our promise to invest in creating bestin-class facilities that allow us to provide an unmatched level of flight hospitality to make every customer’s journey as safe, hassle-free and pleasant as possible,” Corbett explained. Further, the new facility will aim to reduce business aviation’s impact on the environment via the solar panels installed onto the roof of the hangar and office complex. Its 36-space parking area will also feature EV charging stations. Known for their environmental initiatives, including their “Fly More. Leave

Opening during the pandemic was tough, but McEntire was happy to be able to spread joy and positivity through her donuts. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

“People love the saguaro.” McEntire said she didn’t actually think she would win but appreciates it because she could use the help after a challenging year.

“I like to say I knew what I was getting into,” she added. “I built a business plan with projections. The business has been doing well, but we opened during the pandemic. It

The new facility will also feature two primary bays with the capability to easily accommodate both Gulfstream 650 and Bombardier Global Express aircraft.

Less.” Carbon-offset program, Ross has other environmental initiatives in the works, including making electric crew cars widely available, investing in electric tugs and exploring photovoltaic systems on hangar roofs. “We believe that, together as an industry, we must do more to reduce our col-

lective footprint,” the company states. Currently, Ross Aviation’s 100,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offers a pilots’ lounge, snooze room, a flight planning room, two executive conference rooms for up to 18 people, and more. It also offers full-service concierge.

continues to grow, but the money can help me hire new employees to help the ones on board. It’s going to be great.” Information: 480-912-1240, chinupdonuts.com Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega said, “We have an amazing team and an amazing field, which we consider to be a backbone of executive travel here in the Valley.” In addition to boasting high ranking for safety and service in recent industry surveys, Ross Aviation continues to expand its current 18-FBO network – a key strategy for the company. The acquisition of Silverhawk Aviation, which has been consistently ranked as one of the top FBOs in the Midwest, brings the company’s network to 18 locations in the U.S. and the Cayman Islands. Additional new locations are anticipated to be announced before the year ends. Mike Gerdes, president of Silverhawk Aviation said, “We expect the FBO and MRO pieces of the business to continue to flourish under Ross Aviation, and this allows us to focus 100 percent of our effort toward continuing to provide the best value in private travel in the Midwest.” Information: rossaviation.com

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Special events mark Scottsdale Artists’ anniversary BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

he Scottsdale Artists League celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with special events that kicked off this month, including an exhibition at new coffee shop Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. The exhibit, which features around 40 original pieces of artwork created by 10 of the League’s artists, will remain on display through Aug. 5. “They’re very community-minded,” Scottsdale Artists League President Marsha Klinger said of the Sweetwaters staff. “[They] couldn’t be more accommodating to us.” Response to the exhibit has been positive so far. According to Klinger, they’ve already sold a handful of pieces. “As a locally owned business, we want to support local artists, our coffee shop was designed with lots of wall space to display artwork,” said David Greenberg, owner of Sweetwaters, which opened in

Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea Owner David Greenberg and Scottsdale Artists League President Marsha Klinger pose in front of a few pieces for sale at the new exhibit on display at the coffee shop. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

October. Prior to the opening of the coffee shop, Greenberg invited Klinger to view the space and gauge her interest in displaying the League members’ artworks at the

2,000-square-foot shop indefinitely. “She loved the space, and we love having beautiful artwork on our walls, which is changed every month,” Greenberg said. Founded in 1961, the Scottsdale Artists

League has grown significantly since. The organization started with a group of Arizona artists and increased in size to include several hundred members. Now, the League has become a major art association within the state, and they continue to pursue their mission of encouraging, practicing, promoting and advancing “the interest, appreciation, and application of all forms of art.” To celebrate the League’s accomplishments over the decades, they’re hosting the 60th Anniversary Celebration Raffle. Through Dec. 7, raffle tickets are available for $10 each. A total 600 tickets will be sold and 60 works will be donated to winners of the raffle at the final drawing held on Dec. 7 at Maria Goretti Church Hall on Granite Reef Road. “The past year has been challenging for the creative arts,” Klinger said. “Scottsdale

see LEAGUE page 25

New SMoW collection rich with women artists BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

ince the opening of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (SMoW) in 2015, one of the comments most often heard by Dr. Tricia Loscher, assistant director for collections, exhibitions and research is, “Where are the women artists?” Thanks to a recently acquired collection of more than 300 works by 25 women artists, SMoW can now more confidently answer that question. SMoW acquired one of the largest donations of female artworks ever gifted to an American institution: “The Fran and Ed Elliott Southwest Women Art Collection.”

Dr. Tricia Loscher, SMoW assistant director for collections, exhibitions and research, presents some of the art from The Fran and Ed Elliott Southwest Women Art Collection, slated to open to the public in 2023. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

The Elliott Collection is the first to boast an all-female lineup of artists – all with some sort of connection to Arizona. “Remarkably, all of the 25 artists whose works grace the collection have a connection to the state of Arizona, having either resided, studied, or worked in our state,” said Mike Fox, SMoW director/CEO. “Our institution is immensely grateful and appreciative of our responsibility to extend the legacy, not only of our friends Fran and Ed Elliott, but the legacy of all the women artists represented in this unparalleled historical collection.” Loscher added, “They open a new chapter for SMoW, and create important

see SMOW page 25

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 27, 2021

LEAGUE �� page 24

Art League members have continued to create.” And they will present their latest works at the celebration raffle. Leading up to the raffle, the League hopes to host a reception on Aug. 5 for the current Westminster Village Art Show & Sale. The League has historically held a reception to kick off the annual art show at the retirement and assisted living facility in Scottsdale. However, it was postponed this year due to COVID-19. And while the public is unable to view the artworks currently on display at Westminster, the League members, including Klinger, are seeing an increase in artwork sales. “What we’re finding out is people are buying artwork now,” Klinger said, adding that she’s even sold several works to her doctor.

SMOW �� page 24

dialogue.” The Elliott Collection will provide SMoW with many rotating exhibitions, traveling shows, educational programming and, according to Loscher, an endless diversity of themes and stories. “It is past time these artists reclaim their rightful place in Arizona’s cultural and artistic heritage and are recognized” she said. “This collection is about reclaiming a place in our museum for these early Arizona artists and making them visible, thus helping to make all women artists throughout the ages and the world visible,” she added. One featured artist is Marjorie Thomas, Scottsdale’s first professional resident artist. The exhibition features more than 150 of her drawings, paintings, sketches, and photos. “Thomas was a true Arizona art pioneer,

Scottsdale Artists League President Marsha Klinger poses with her oil painting titled “Ode to Monet,” which won Best of Show at the Scottsdale Artists’ School Fine Art Show earlier this month. (Marsha Klinger)

having arrived before Arizona’s statehood,” said Dr. Betsy Fahlman, Arizona State University professor and SMoW trustee who helped make the acquisition happen. Also featured is Jessie Benton Evans (1866-1954), who settled in Scottsdale, taught young artists and held regular salons in her Italianate villa. The Elliott Collection boasts 13 Evans’ oils, one pastel and five etchings. “This collection complements SMoW’s mission to share with others the beauty of our state’s diverse and rich cultural perspectives, backgrounds, and heritage – which each of these artists brings to the Southwest,” Loscher said, adding: “And what better place than SMoW where we can address the public’s request to learn more about women artists starting with the collection of Fran Elliott, who was one of the most highly respected collectors of one of the most well-represented collections of early Arizona women artists?” Fran and Ed Elliott spent years unearthing and championing the stories of dozens

of neglected female Arizona artists. Loscher first became aware of Fran Elliott’s collection in the 1990s while working on her master’s thesis on Arizona artist Kate T. Cory, whose work is well-represented in the collection. Fran was so supportive of Loscher’s thesis that she attended her Cory exhibition opening at the State Capitol Museum. In 2015, Ed Elliott became involved in SMoW in the absence of Fran, who had passed away one year prior, loaning several paintings to SMoW’s inaugural exhibition. “Ed believed in our museum, and it is a great honor and privilege for us that his wish was to donate Fran’s collection,” Loscher said. The collection will not only help advance and amplify the voices of women artists, but will also shed light on the women artists actively helping to create art in Arizona. “Visitors will see for themselves the unique perspective of these artists and their magnificent talent, the diversity of mediums and techniques that they em-

ployed,” Loscher said. “They were independent spirits with great creativity, perseverance and courage. The Elliotts’ name and these artists can now be celebrated by our visitors from Arizona, America, and the world.” Loscher called the Elliott Collection a “watershed moment” for SMoW. “This collection is unique in Arizona and indeed in the country,” she said. “This collection will undoubtedly serve to heighten our reputation among other leading cultural institutions, the public, and artists alike.” SMoW is planning a major exhibition of the Elliott Collection in 2023. Ed passed away last year and Loscher said he was “extremely supportive” of the exhibition and looked forward to seeing it. “I’m sure Fran and Ed’s spirits will be there when we celebrate their lives and the generosity of their important gift when we open the exhibition,” she said. Information: scottsdalemuseumwest. org

Know anything interesting going on in Scottsdale? Send your information to wschutsky@scottsdale.org

“He bought four pieces of my art,” she said. Klinger also sold a piece at the Scottsdale Artists’ School Fine Art Show earlier this month, where she won Best of Show. The new owner of Klinger’s oil painting titled “Ode to Monet” told Klinger “she had to have it in her house.” “It’s been a goal that I wanted to do probably for the last 10, 11 years,” Klinger said of winning Best of Show. Three other League members also took home prizes. Brigitte Scalon’s oil painting ‘Lovely Flower” placed first, Peggy Hunt’s oil painting “Hee-Haw” placed second, and Barbara Bagan’s oil and cold wax piece titled “Tuscan Treasures.” “And we had four people receive honorable mentions,” Klinger said proudly. For more information about Scottsdale Artists League’s 60th anniversary, the raffle, and other upcoming shows and exhibits, visit scottsdaleartistsleague.com.

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Preserve Tavern boasts comfort food delights BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

aking over the old Four Peaks Grill & Tap in northern Scottsdale is family friendly tavern, The Preserve Tavern & Grille. Opened by husband-wife team, Nick and Shannon Broemer, and inspired by the sights of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Broemers’ neighborhood pub offers patrons a variety of comfort food dishes and nearly day-long happy hours. “It’s all about the customers and their experience,” Nick said. “It’s like a family.” Described as serving “Americano cuisine with a Southwestern �lair,” the Preserve’s menu is loaded with comfort food favorites, like deviled eggs, nachos, loaded fries, wings, pork ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, burgers and even meatloaf. “The meatloaf is to die for,” Nick said. “And the wings, people said they’re probably top three in the Valley.” Shannon attributes the wings’ popularity to how they’re cooked. “The meats are all smoked,” she explained. “It’s such a distinctly different �lavor.” Other popular items include The Preserve Burger, which is topped with bacon and porter cheddar cheese between a toasted brioche bun; and the Preserve Poblano Rings, a heap of beer-battered poblano rings drizzled with chipotle basil honey and served with an apricot garlic aioli. As for the meatloaf, that’s wrapped in bacon and served with seasonal vegetables. “I’m telling you, it’s the best,” Nick raved. The Preserve has been in the works since last summer. The Broemers originally had their sights set on a location further north, closer to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. But when the Four Peaks space opened up, they were quick to snag it to take advantage of the high-traf�ic area. Now, the more than 6,800-square foot

Nick and Shannon Broemer are the owners of The Preserve Tavern & Grille, a new restaurant in northern Scottsdale that took over the old Four Peaks space. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

space caters to sports fans, families looking for a place to grab a bite after soccer matches and people wanting to sip on an ice-cold beer as they listen to live country music on the weekends. “Mark Florentine books all of our artists,” Nick said of the local guitarist-vocalist who plays everything from classic rock to country and grunge. “Every Friday and Saturday is different local artists.” Other events include open mic Wednesdays, trivia night Thursdays, and dedicated UFC �ight nights. Food specials include $1.50 tacos on Tuesdays and all-you-can-eat �ish and chips for $12.50 every Friday. They also serve brunch on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every meal includes a free mimosa or Bloody Mary. The Preserve’s cocktail menu includes classics too, including old fashioned cocktails, manhattans, margaritas, martinis, and more. As for beers, they have a wide variety of 20 beers on draft. And every Wednesday evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., wine drinkers can stop by The Preserve for half-off bottled house wines. Other specials include hours-long happy hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Their more than 800-square-foot covered patio is dog-friendly. “They [customers] just love the atmosphere. You can literally feel the positivity in the building while we’re working. We just try to make it exciting,” Nick said. The Preserve is now open and offers a 15 percent discount to military and �irst responders. If You Go: The Preserve

Taking advantage of old Four Peaks Grill & Tap space at 15745 N. Hayden Road in northern Scottsdale, the Preserve Tavern & Grille opened in April. (Facebook)

15745 N. Hayden Road 480-590-4942 thepreservegrille

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** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

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HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock stock.